Open AccessGeotechnical Characterization of Biochar-Based Biocover
Author(s) -
Ridwan Taiwo,
Adegoke Adesola Habeeb,
Mojeed Mutiu Ayobami
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
international journal of innovative science and research technology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2456-2165
DOI - 10.38124/ijisrt20apr035
Subject(s) - biochar , laterite , compaction , environmental science , porosity , methane , leachate , waste management , geotechnical engineering , soil science , environmental chemistry , materials science , chemistry , geology , pyrolysis , metallurgy , engineering , nickel , organic chemistry
Landfills are one of the major sources ofmethane (CH4) emission which is a very potent greenhousegas. The use of a natural process for microbial CH4oxidation through biocovers provides a source reduction ofCH4 emission. Previous studies have mostly focused onbiochemical properties, and limited research has beenconducted with regards to the geotechnicalcharacterization of biochar based biocovers. This paperpresents the results of a comprehensive laboratoryinvestigation on laterite, Igbokoda sand and their mixtureswith biochar at 2%, 4%, 8%, 10% and 20% to determinethe compaction properties of biochar based biocovers.From the result, it was shown that the laterite has mediumplasticity while the Igbokoda sand is non-plastic. Also,Addition of biochar to landfill cover soil increased theparticle sizes, and consequently the porosity of the soil isincreased which can promote the air flow through thelandfill cover. Thus, greater O2 diffusion within thelandfill cover will result, leading to higher microbialoxidation/degradation of CH4. Maximum dry unit weightdecreased and the optimum water content partly increasedas the biochar content increased with the two samples.Compaction test results show that when biochar contentvaried from 0 to 20% for the laterite, the maximum dryunit weight decreased from 1660kg/m3 to 1330kg/m3 anddecreased from 1590kg/m3 to 1390kg/m3 for IgbokodaSand. Thus, the results presented in this paper willcontribute to a better understanding of the geotechnicalbehaviour of biochar based biocover.